ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN (MECHANICAL PRODUCTION LEVEL): HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE

This position offers an opportunity for a qualified mechanical engineering professional to contribute to the planning, delivery and maintenance of health infrastructure within the Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure. Operating at the Mechanical Production level, the Engineering Technician will work within a team dedicated to ensuring that public health facilities are safe, functional and responsive to evolving service needs. The role is an OSD-graded post, meaning that salary and career progression are determined according to the Occupation Specific Dispensation, with remuneration based on post-registration experience. The successful candidate will be based within the department’s health infrastructure unit and will work alongside engineers, technologists and associates to provide technical services across field, workshop and office environments.

To be considered, applicants must hold a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant equivalent qualification, coupled with at least three years of post-qualification technical experience in mechanical engineering. Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as an Engineering Technician is required, as is a valid driving licence (Code B or higher). The role demands a solid grounding in project management, technical design and analysis, research and development, computer-aided engineering applications, legal compliance, technical report writing and technical consulting. In addition, the ideal candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, teamwork, creativity, customer focus, effective written and verbal communication, computer literacy, people management, planning and organising, and the capacity to manage change.

The core duties involve rendering technical services by assisting engineers, technologists and associates in a variety of activities, promoting safety in line with statutory and regulatory requirements, and evaluating existing technical manuals, standard drawings and procedures to incorporate new technology. The technician will produce technical designs with specifications and submit them for evaluation and approval by the relevant authority. Administrative functions include providing input into the budgeting process, compiling and submitting reports, and contributing to the technical and engineering operational plan. The role also entails developing, implementing and maintaining databases, as well as supervising and controlling technical personnel and assets. Continuous professional development is essential, with an expectation to keep abreast of new technologies and procedures through research and literature studies, and to liaise with relevant stakeholders on engineering-related matters.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend interviews and must submit duly completed vetting and supporting documentation within a specified timeframe. All shortlisted applicants will undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise to determine suitability based on the technical and generic requirements of the post, and an integrity assessment covering ethical conduct. The selection process will be guided by the employment equity targets of the employing department. By applying, candidates consent to the Western Cape Government contacting previous employers or managers for employment references, including enquiries relating to disciplinary records and reasons for leaving. This is a demanding but rewarding role for a dedicated mechanical engineering professional seeking to make a tangible impact on public health infrastructure.